Killer villas: the best summer destinations for groups

CMO of onefinestay, Laurent Janneau, gives his tips on the best places to go this summer with your friends or family

Mykonos

One of the most popular destinations of the moment is Mykonos. It's the chicest island of the Cyclades, and whenever I visit I’m always in awe of its whitewashed town, expanse of beaches and beach bars, and its rich cultural pedigree.

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Mykonos is also one of onefinestay’s newest destinations on offer which is hugely exciting. We have opened a collection of ten luxury villas overlooking a secluded bay on the south-west of the island. It’s the only private retreat in Mykonos with a private dock and helipad - meaning you can arrive in style.

Villa Delilah is one of my favourite villas in the collection. It has five-bedrooms and four bathrooms, all painted white with iconic blue shutters, gleaming wood floors, soft furnishings and just the odd eye-catching accessory, such as a locally woven basket. The living area and bedrooms are all nicely low-key – the master distinguished by its contemporary four-poster bed and charming balcony.

What’s more, there’s a generous garden here, which has an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean sea. Having recently visited Mykonos last month, our new villa collection is the ideal place to sit back and relax with friends and family. For an extra special touch, onefinestay can arrange a private chef to cook you the most delicious feast made with local ingredients from the island.

The Cotswolds

I never thought of England as a summer holiday destination, but this all changed when I discovered the Cotswolds and some of the homes we have there. I’ve now come to realise that nothing can rival the English countryside on a beautiful day.

When I’m visiting the Cotswolds, I like to take long country walks with my family, popping into some of the critically acclaimed restaurants for a packed lunch or elegant sit down dinner. Whichever village you choose, the entire area is ideal for families who want to escape the city without going too far afield.

onefinestay’s Curved House is a beautifully designed eco-house, and a real architectural gem. The home is strikingly modern and spacious: the amazing curved mezzanine balcony overlooks 25 acres of woodland gardens, ponds and streams.

For rainy days there is a huge astro-turfed sports barn and a den with pool table which also doubles as a cinema. There’s even a lake with its own island, a boathouse, and several treehouses. The renowned Soho Farmhouse is a stone’s throw away and there is plenty to explore nearby including Blenheim Palace and the city of Oxford.

Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret is France’s version of Cape Cod — it likes to think of itself as a quaint fishing village, but it’s actually got a specific, if diminutive, glamour to it. It’s only an hour’s drive west of Bordeaux on the Arcachon basin and is known as the country’s oyster capital. It’s a place for people who love food, art and privacy, like me.

For onefinestay, it’s a rising star in our booming portfolio of French destinations, and it attracts regulars who mingle with local fisherman, ride bikes and surf, go oyster-tasting and relax in the sun. It’s quintessentially French, refined and inspiring, but feels much more like a holiday than Paris.

This summer destination has a way of transporting you back to a simpler and even more romantic time. Situated on the tip of the peninsula, this four-bedroom classic vacation home blends in perfectly with the wind-swept landscape: an environment of maritime pine trees, a pleasant garden hidden from view, the sea almost next door and beautiful sand beaches close by - a great setting for a holiday.

The large, bright and airy living area is divided between a comfy living room with a wood-burning stove, and an open-plan kitchen with a large dining table, all opening on to the outdoor terrace which is the perfect spot to enjoy long summer lunches.

Florence

I don’t think anyone could ever be bored of Florence - after all, it’s the cultural capital of Italy and renowned for its amazing architecture and art. Ideal for a summer city break, travellers can easily head into the surrounding hills or find shady corners around the city and in its historic homes.

Via di Vacciano is one of our most popular homes in Florence. Full of original details, its living areas are grandly proportioned, but made welcoming by unfussy furniture – the kitchen’s country-style table is especially charming. There’s also a lovely green garden featuring an outdoor pool and a place to dine during those magical, warm summer evenings.

Back inside, the five bedrooms are decorated in a similarly laidback style, with books and artworks aplenty. A little off the beaten track, the location is leafy and calm, and yet Via di Vacciano is only around a 22-minute drive to the heart of Florence.

For those who prefer to be closer to the action, I recommend Via delle Conce. This architect-designed home’s living areas have some really exceptional details (the sitting room’s graceful spiral staircase is particularly unique), and they’re also imaginatively furnished and full of bold artworks.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream and the various outside spaces are just as vibrant and inviting - ideal for an apertivo before dinner. Back inside, the ensuite master bedroom is as striking as you’d expect, with black geometric-patterned walls and gold drapes. What’s more, you’re nicely situated close to the local market, some great museums and a cathedral.

Ibiza

This famous island has a lot more to offer than just its party heritage. Leave the tourist trail behind and you’ll be amazed by its low-key provincial towns, unspoilt beaches and undulating hills.

Villa Xamena is located on the north-west coast of Ibiza in one of the very few natural protected areas in the island. It’s an ideal property for families or groups looking to experience all the excitement of the island, while enjoying the sea and the countryside away from the crowds.

The modern villa is surrounded by its own private 3,400 sqm Mediterranean garden, an extremely peaceful area with astonishing views across Cala Benirras, a legendary location well known for its sunsets. You can’t go wrong with watching the sun slip below the horizon from your swimming pool.

For more information or to book, visit onefinestay.com